Tonj, South Sudan – July 2024 – In each academic semester Don Bosco Tonj Secondary School reserves a day for social service; therefore, on 19 July, despite the rain, students exercised their eco-responsibility to clean the city of Tonj. Fr Peter Kariuki, SDB, Principal, said: “It is both a service and an education for students. This initiative is an invitation and a wake-up call to people to keep the environment clean and green. And when we take care of Mother Earth, she blesses us with everything we need for our livelihood.” The students went in groups to clean the premises of the Tonj Civil Hospital and the John Lee Memorial Hospital, in addition to the market and the city square. Tonj residents and government officials appreciated the school's leadership for instilling a love of the environment in the minds of young people. Students in general follow holistic training at the Don Bosco School in the world's youngest country. And it is one of the primary needs to keep it clean and green with large-scale reforestation to make it favorable to all inhabitants.

Jakarta, Indonesia – July 2024 – On 18 July on the occasion of the monthly Online Meeting of Economers in the Salesian Vice-Province of Indonesia (INA), Fr Boedirahardjo Soerjonoto, Economer of the Vice-Province, invited Fr M.C. George Menamparampil to participate. The seven economers from different Salesian communities in Indonesia benefited greatly from his intervention. Fr Menamparampil founded BOSCONET which focuses on fundraising by generous-hearted Indians to support marginalised communities served by the Salesians of Don Bosco. The Salesian Provinces in India operate more than 300 schools, 52 colleges and 123 vocational and technical education institutions. Fr Menamparampil stressed the importance of awareness of the great tasks of the economers in managing what has been given by the Lord through generous Salesian Benefactors. He also spoke of the changes in the world economic situation that have led to the loss of aid from abroad and the need for each Province to become self-sufficient as soon as possible.

Rome, RMG – July 2024 - On 18 July in the Salesian Headquarters, Fr Pierluigi Cameroni, Postulator General for the Causes of Saints of the Salesian Congregation, met Fr John Zosiama, Superior of the Province of Shillong, India (INS) and Fr Sebastian Kuricheal, Superior of the Province of Guwahati, India (ING). During the meeting, Fr Cameroni informed the two Provincials about the cause for canonisation of the two Salesian Servants of God: Fr Costantino Vendrame and Bishop Orestes Marengo. The reports of the diocesan inquiry have already been approved and submitted to the Vatican for further investigation by a team of theologians, historians, cardinals and bishops. Once this investigation is completed, the decree on the venerability of these two Servants of God will be promulgated and hey will be entitled "Venerable". Fr Cameroni said he was deeply touched and inspired by the lives of these two holy missionaries as he read all the accounts. He asked the two Provincials to encourage and spread devotion to these two holy figures in north-east India involving the whole Church and the faithful as they made an indispensable and unique contribution to the growth of the Church in this region. The diocesan investigation process for Fr Vendrame had already begun on 19 August 2006. The Provinces of Shillong and Guwahati sincerely thank Fr Mawrie Barnes , postulator of the diocesan inquiry, for his interest and hard work for this noble cause. We continue to spread devotion to these two Servants of God and pray fervently that the process can proceed smoothly.

Cape Town, South Africa – July 2024 - A group of 13 students from the Salesian school in Treviglio spent an unforgettable study holiday in Cape Town, organised by the "Helkin" agency. Accompanied by Fr Luca Paganini and Professor Marco Locatelli, the children had the opportunity to improve their English and immerse themselves in South African culture, having unique and enriching experiences. The typical day for students began with English lessons at the "LAL School", renowned for the excellence of its language programmes. The morning hours were dedicated to the study and deepening of the language, with qualified teachers and innovative teaching methods. The afternoons were reserved for discovering Cape Town and its surroundings. There was no shortage of excursions to the Cape of Good Hope, where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Indian Ocean, and a visit to Robben Island, the prison island where Nelson Mandela was held for many years. A particularly significant aspect of the trip was exploring the question of apartheid. Thanks to the collaboration with the Salesians in Cape Town, the students had the opportunity to better understand this dark chapter of South African history. It was also an opportunity for them to learn about a Salesian place outside Italy and to see how the charism of Don Bosco is universal. Visits to the "District Six Museum" and the "South African National Gallery" offered ideas for reflection and a greater awareness of the injustices of the past.

Przemyśl, Poland – July 2024 – The 24th “Salesian Summer” Music Festival takes place in Przemyśl from 8 to 19 July. This year's edition began at the Salesian Saint Joseph's Shrine, belonging to the Salesian Province of Krakow (PLS), and includes 10 concerts held in various places: 4 concerts in the auditorium of Casimir Castle, 3 concerts in the Salesian Church, 2 concerts in the Carmelite Church, 1 concert in the hall of the Musical Society. The last event of the Festival is scheduled for 19 July and will take place where the Festival began, namely in the Salesian Church. The programme of musical presentations is rich and varied, including a wide musical repertoire that satisfies both classical and contemporary music lovers. In the photo is the "Giocoso Ensemble" group , which performed in concert on 15 July at Casimir Castle. Organisers of the Festival: ZAMEK Cultural and Scientific Center of Przemyśl; St. Joseph Parish - Salesians; Renata Nowakowska - director of PCKiN ZAMEK; Don Wiesław Wilkosz, SDB – parish priest; Daniel Prajzner - artistic direction; Tomasz Ślusarczyk - director of the Festival.

Photo: Tomasz Beliński, Przemyskie Centrum Kultury i Nauki ZAMEK (ZAMEK Cultural and Scientific Center in Przemyśl)

Panama City, Panama – July 2024 – From 15 to 18 July, the Don Bosco Basilica welcomed a delegation of young Spanish  scouts with open arms , heading to the province of Darien with the  "Spain to the South" (España Rumbo al Sur) expedition. This project is aimed at young Spanish-speaking pre-university students, between the ages of 16 and 17, and its objective is for participants, accompanied by various teachers, to learn about cooperation and volunteering, along with adventure and expedition. Young scouts learned more about Salesian work in Panama thanks to the Valdocco d 'America project, an initiative that aims to spread and preserve the life and work of St John Bosco in Panama. Through the Don Bosco Museum, visitors were able to embark on a historical journey of the Congregation, which illustrates the life of the saint and his impact on the education and formation of young Panamanians. The Relic of Don Bosco offers the faithful the opportunity to venerate a significant part of his spiritual legacy, strengthening the bond with his mission. In addition, there is an exact replica of Don Bosco's birthplace located in I Becchi. Together, these elements create an educational and devotional environment that keeps the spirit and work of Don Bosco alive in the hearts of those who visit the Basilica of Don Bosco. In the words of Telmo De La Cuadra Salcedo, director of the expedition: "The Salesians have been welcoming us as true brothers for years and teaching us their work".